Stopping during their visit to Sacramento are, from left: Trustee Christopher Cox; Randolph Hall, vice president of research; Martha Escutia, vice president, government relations; Thomas Sayles, senior vice president, university relations; Provost Michael Quick; Gov. Jerry Brown; Trustee Robert Padgett; President C. L. Max Nikias; Trustee Lisa Barkett and husband Bill Barkett; and Dean of Financial Aid Thomas McWhorter. (USC Photo/Eric Abelev)

USC President C. L. Max Nikias led a delegation of trustees and senior administrators to the State Capitol in Sacramento today to speak with Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff, Assemblymember Reggie Sawyer-Jones and Senator Kevin De Leon.

USC delegates stressed the importance of maintaining the current level of Cal Grant awards, which provide support for low- and middle-income students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

Support cuts

While Cal Grants for students at public institutions have increased in value, students who choose to study at a private nonprofit university have seen their support cut year after year. Today, the maximum awarded to University of California students is $12,192 per year, while the maximum for the same student at a private university is just $9,084. An additional 11 percent cut will take effect this summer unless legislative action is taken.

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